How to Get Your Dog to Stop Barking on Planes

Man’s best friend may also be man’s most stressful travel companion. While the words ‘pet-friendly’ are synonymous with modern-day travel—hotels, cruise ships, and planes all welcome our four-legged friends—flying with your dog can mean barks, cries, and wanting out of that carrier. Why? The answer isn't so simple.

“There are several reasons why dogs might act up on a flight,” says Stephanie Borns-Weil, D.V.M., a resident of animal behavior at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. For one, new situations—and being up close and personal with strangers—can be anxiety provoking, she says. So can engine noise, changes in pitch, altitude, and air pressure; all of which may lead to whining and barking. Even more: If your pup isn’t used to being in a crate, confinement can cause frustration or outright panic.

Then comes the attention-seeking. “Dogs are very good at learning what to do to avoid being ignored," says Dr. Borns-Weil. "They may quickly learn that an embarrassed owner will give them immediate attention or food treats in a desperate attempt to quiet them during a flight."

But instead of treating the issue with, well, treats, try preventing the stress by using these vet-approved tips:

Before traveling, make sure your dog is comfy in its crate. This may help him or her tolerate longer flights without distress, says Dr. Borns-Weil. Of course, the smaller the dog, the more comfortable they’ll naturally be. So if your pet is larger (or just doesn’t like that cage one bit), keep a favorite chew toy or food puzzle inside, she suggests.

Consider a pre-trip jog. A dog who’s loaded up on exercise may be less likely to feel the need to escape his crate. Plus, it will be tuckered out.

Talk to your vet about meds. If your dog is just an anxious flyer (hey, it happens to the best of us), touch base with your vet, suggests Dr. Borns-Weil. Anti-anxiety medications can soothe the doggy jitters.

Remember, long-haul flights aren't fair to your pet. Dogs usually can’t eat, drink, or empty their bladder in-flight like we can, notes Dr. Borns-Weil. “I would not recommend taking a dog on a flight longer than four hours unless absolutely necessary.”